Warwickshire is known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare along with being a great place to explore during a staycation.
Make your trip to Warwickshire one to remember and explore all the amazing areas of the county. You will be surprised with how many hidden gems you will find, and to help you out we have searched through Instagram and found some amazing images of different areas of Warwickshire. We also have a resort in Warwickshire that would make the perfect place to stay whilst you are in the area
Whether you are wanting to explore the area or find things to do that will keep the whole family entertained there are plenty of things to do in the Peak District.
The Peak District is a stunning area of England, full of incredible natural beauty and a huge list of things to see and do. Enjoy spending time around the Peak District and find famous walks, explore the countryside or find the adventure. Our exceptional resort in the Peak District can provide the perfect base to explore along with being the place you can escape to in the evening before exploring more the next day.
A zoo always makes a great family day out and the Peak Wildlife Park is an amazing one in the area. The zoo can take around 3 hours to get around and see all the animals and there are food options too so you can stay and enjoy a bite to eat and make it a full day experience. The most unique part of Peak Wildlife Park is their large walkthroughs where you can come face to face with endangered and exotic animals. Their walkthroughs are with animals like red squirrels, lemurs, penguins and wallabies.
If history is something you like to learn more about, you’ll definitely want to make a trip to the Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton. It’s famous all over the world because of its unique deposits of Blue John Stone and you will find some of the most beautiful cave formations in the UK here. The tour is a self-guided audio tour where you will go into the caverns and take in the views of the amazing Hope Valley. There is also a café here that you can enjoy a range of drinks, homemade cakes and ice cream.
Gulliver’s Kingdom is perfect if you have younger kids who still love the thrill of rides and experiences. From log flumes to chair lifts, a drop tower to a crazy barrel ride there are so many different rides and attractions that are perfect for kids of all ages. And you will also find a range of places to eat and drink around the resort too which makes it a perfect place to stay all day.
Travel back in time to the 1800s and 1900s with the Crich Tramway Village. Inside this village there are over 60 different trams that will have been built between 1873 and 1982. Enjoy a bite to eat at Rita’s Tea Rooms or The Poulson Room or even The Red Lion Pub. You will also find a sweet shop and an ice cream parlour in the village. Find out more about the trams in the indoor exhibitions, or take a stroll through the period village scene. You will have the option to take a ride on some of the trams around the village.
For those who are looking for somewhere to walk and enjoy being in nature in the Peak District, the Miller’s Dale Monsal Trail will be the perfect choice. The trail is perfect for cycling, horse riding and walking. The trail goes along the former Midland Railway line and the trail goes through 4 400m tunnels and 2 shorter tunnels which are all lit during the daylight hours so they are safe to use.
Explore Matlock Farm Park and learn about animals like pigs, donkeys, goats, sheep and even wallabies, emus, meerkats and rhea birds! As well as the animals you can see there are also different things like a go kart track, adventure playground and jumping pillow that your kids can have fun on. The Garden Room Café is also open and offers a wide range of hot and cold food and drinks to suit everyone.
The Peak District can provide you with some pretty impressive views, especially if you take a trip to Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park. Poole’s Cavern is a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave that you can explore in a guided 45 minute tour. And whilst you are there you can also enjoy woodland walks through the stunning Buxton Country Park.
Chatsworth House is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has been passed on to 16 other generations of the Cavendish family ever since. During your visit you will be able to explore over 25 different rooms as well as the beautiful gardens that surround the house. There are 105 acres of Chatsworth Garden and you will find things like waterworks, sculptures, Victorian rock garden and plenty of history to learn about.
Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB | 29 mins
For the thrill seekers who want a day out full of fun and adrenaline a trip to Alton Towers might be the perfect thing. There are over 40 different rides and attractions at the theme park which means you won’t find an issue picking things that will suit everyone. And it’s perfect for the whole family with large roller coasters like The Smiler and Nemesis but then you also have a CBeebies Land perfect for younger kids too. There are also different restaurants around the resort selling burgers, pizzas, fried chicken and more!
Another walk that is great for incredible views is Mam Tor, the popular landmark hill and hiking spot. It’s about a 517 metres high and is about a 550 metre walk from the car park. Although it is relatively steep to climb Mam Tor the views are worth it and the walk can be completes in around 2 hours so it doesn’t have to be a full day trip. The walk is also extremely doable with young kids so the whole family can enjoy this experience.
All of us at Darwin Escapes are proud to say that every single one of our resorts across the UK are pet-friendly.
That means that you never have to leave your furry friend behind when you are going off to enjoy a staycation. But we understand that sometimes it can be hard trying to remember everything you’d need to pack for the holiday. So we thought we would use our pet friendly holiday knowledge and put together the ultimate checklist of exactly what to pack for your pet-friendly holiday. Have a read below and see which things you need to add to your own checklist so you have everything you need to ensure your four-legged friend has the best holiday with you.
The Peak District is a stunning area of England and makes the perfect place for a staycation.
But before you head out there we wanted to help give you some inspiration on things to see and do during your time in the Peak District. So we’ve searched through Instagram and found some incredible images that will make you want to go explore straight away. But before you do you’ll want to organise somewhere to stay and we have the perfect place.
Enjoy all that the Lake District has to offer when you are next in the area.
Although the Lake District is known for all its stunning lakes there are so many other amazing things that you can do whilst you are there. To help you out we have searched through Instagram and found some amazing sights to see and things to do whilst you are there. We also have some amazing resorts in the Lake District that will be perfect for you whilst you are on your staycation.
From sandy beaches to woodland walks, there are so many things to do in Devon it can be hard to decide which to include in your trip.
So we’ve done some research and found a range of different things to do in Devon that are suitable for couples, families, groups of friends etc. And if you are looking for a place to stay whilst you’re in the area our resorts in Devon will make the perfect choice for you.
The port that is at Ilfracombe Harbour has been there since the 12th Century and has been a huge part of Devon ever since. Even today it’s still a working harbour and is extremely popular for leisure and tourism. All along the harbour and the streets around it you will find amazing cafes, restaurants, pubs and small shops selling everything from gifts to quirky goods. It’s a great place to head if you want to enjoy a summers day near the sea.
Located at the edge of Exmoor is Quince Honey Farm, a working honey farm that offers a full family day out that everyone will enjoy. The most impressive part of this farm is their unique hexagonal themed nectar garden which displays thousands of bee friendly plants. This is where you can see some bees up close. You can also visit the Honey Factory and see what happens behind the scenes! There is also a restaurant at the farm which offers a delicious range of food for all.
If you are wanting an experience that you can learn something from then The Box in Plymouth will be perfect. This new hub has everything from a gallery, archive, museum, café, shop and a bar! When it opened in 2020 it was one of the most significant cultural events in the UK. As well as the permanent galleries they also have various exhibitions that change throughout the year.
Most famous for being one of the highest waterfalls in England sitting at 220 feet high, Canonteign Falls was formed in 1890 by a stream diverting over the edge of a cliff. It’s an amazing natural attraction that is in the heart of Devon and it makes an incredible day out for families. During your day out at the falls you will also find Canonteign Kitchen where you can enjoy some delicious homemade food.
Since opening in 1963 by Tom & Ruth Dobbins, Babbacombe Model Village is a miniature railway and village that is open 7 days a week from 10am till 2.30pm. Inside this mini village you will find 426 miniature buildings and an estimated population of 13,178 people! It’s a great experience as you will feel like a giant in the 4 acres of award winning gardens that showcase amazing model scenes, vehicles and people!
The Plymouth Gin Distillery has been in operation since 1793 and is the oldest working distillery in England. The tour options that you can do in Plymouth Gin Distillery are amazing, you can either do a classic tour where you learn about how the gin is distilled. Or you can do an enhanced Gin Connoisseur’s Tour with tasting or you can do the Master Distillers Tour where you have the opportunity to choose your own botanicals and distil a bottle that you can take home!
If you are wanting to find something that is adrenaline pumping in Devon that will suit everyone in the family then Tree Surfers will be ideal. The main thing on offer is the activity tree surfers where you head up into the tree tops and go through a series of ladders, rope bridges, zip wires and walkways. The tree surfer’s activity is suitable for ages 4 years and up and you can also book into doing archery here too.
Since you are going to be right on the coast you might as well make the most of it with the Ilfracombe Sea Safari. You can do everything from fishing trips, to sea safaris where you see dolphins or seals. Even trips that include caves and waterfalls! It’s a great experience that will make an incredible day out for everyone. Tours start from 1 hour long up to 2.5 hours.
Dartmoor National Park Authority, Haytor Lower, B3387, Haytor, TQ13 9XT
Enjoy exploring the vast moorland that is Dartmoor National Park, you will find everything from forests, rivers, wetlands, rock formations and plenty of trails to use. There are also many villages around the area so you can incorporate a visit to one or two into your day of exploring. Also make sure you keep an eye out for the Dartmoor Pony that roams the national park.
For people who love sea life and want to see and learn all about them the National Marine Aquarium is the perfect place to go. With it being the largest aquarium in the UK and home to over 4,000 animals you will be able to immerse yourself into learning about the marine environment. There are a range of exhibits you can explore at the aquarium from the Great Barrier Reef, Eddystone Reed, Atlantic Ocean and more.
Each year it is becoming more and more important that we all do our bit for the environment.
Most people make choices to help care for the environment in their day to day lives but there are so many ways that you can continue to live a ‘greener’ life during your family holiday too. Not only is this amazing for the environment but finding ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly also gives you the chance to teach your kids about the importance of it. Have a read below of some of our suggestions on how you can make your family holiday as eco-friendly as possible.
1. keep it in the UK
The first and best way to make your holiday eco-friendly is by staying in the UK. We already know that staycations are here to stay and have just been getting more and more popular. But by staying in the UK you are reducing your carbon footprint with travel as you are more likely to use a car rather than a plane to get to where you are staying. And if you need some inspiration we have some amazing resorts in the UK to give you some ideas.
Sometimes the simplest things we can do are the most effective, and most of the basic ways to help the environment you will still be able to do during your family holiday. These things can be anything from recycling all your rubbish, especially if you are planning a self-catering holiday. Splitting up your plastics, cardboard and general waste and putting them in the correct bins in the area will make a huge difference. Most of our resorts hand recycle waste externally so make sure you check the information guide at the resort you are staying in to make sure you are doing the correct thing|! Other things you can do is make sure you don’t litter when you are out and about and also making sure that lights and electrical items are switched off when you aren’t using them.
3. be smart with your packing
Most of the time when you are staying in the UK for your family holiday you will be driving to the location. But it’s still important that you are mindful of what you are packing. As tempting as it is to fill your car to the brim with everything and anything you may need for the trip, the extra weight in the car will mean you will use more fuel. By being smart with your packing you will be able to reduce the carbon emissions your car lets out.
4. invest in reusable bottles/cups etc.
Although buying things like reusable water bottles and cups does come at a cost at the start they end up being extremely cost effective and save you spending money on single-use plastic. If you make sure everyone has their own reusable bottle and if you like hot drinks get some reusable cups then you are set for your day out. You can also take this one step further and buy reusable toiletry bottles so you can just take a smaller amount of the shampoo, conditioner and body wash you already have at home.
5. explore locally
Most of the time with a staycation you will have travelled somewhere in the UK that you want to explore. So use where you are staying as your base and stay local. Once your there try to travel by foot as much as you can or take bikes with you or you will probably be able to hire some not far away from where you are staying. If you need inspiration you will be able to search the internet and find so many amazing walks and things to see and do just a stone’s throw away from you.
6. plan an inspiring green day out
Since you are trying to make your family holiday eco-friendly a great way to learn more about the environment would be by planning an inspiring green day out! For example if you are planning a holiday in Cornwall you could add a trip to the Eden Project to your stay. Or if you are having a holiday in North Wales take the family to GreenWood Family Park. There will be so much to learn and enjoy on a green day out.
7. think about where your food comes from
One thing you may not think about is the food you eat whilst you are away. You can make sure you eat local meat and produce if you are self-catering. If you are planning on eating out just do some research before you go to make sure the restaurant/café sources all their ingredients locally. By doing this you are not only more likely to eat the freshest and most tasty food but it will also cut down on food miles.
No matter how big or small the changes are that you make to your family holiday it all helps towards looking after the environment. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday today!
Somerset has a lot to offer, from its stunning towns to amazing views.
So when you are planning to go there for a staycation you will want to make sure you make the most of exploring the area. We thought we would give you a helping hand and provide you with some inspiration from Instagram. And when it’s time to book where to stay we have our amazing resorts in Somerset that will make the perfect base.
Norfolk is a stunning area in England that’s full of amazing scenery and sites to see.
But before you head down you will want to make sure you have a list of the best places to see so that you make the most of your trip. And when it comes to where to stay, we have a stunning resort in Norfolk that will make the perfect base for you.
The Isle of Wight makes a great staycation location in the UK and can provide you with plenty of things to see and do.
Start planning your trip away with the help of this blog where you can find a range of different things to do in the Isle of Wight. As well as helping you put together some ideas of how to stay busy in the area, we can also help you with deciding where you should stay. We have 2 amazing resorts on the Isle of Wight that are perfect for families, couples and friends.
Founded by Xavier & Conrad, The Isle of Wight Distillery is the first and only distillery on the whole of the island. With a commitment to sustainability, conservation and a circular economy the distillery strives to minimise waste and use ethically-sourced and, most of the time, local ingredients to create their range of spirits. Although they don’t do distillery tours they do have a bar on site called The Mermaid Bar where you can go and try out their products and maybe take some home!
Probably one of the most iconic landmarks in the Isle of Wight and one that you definitely need to visit if you are on the island is The Needles. You will be able to book a boat trip that will take you on a close up trip of the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. But there are also so many other attractions here that you can make a full day of it. From adventure golf to a carousel, dino jeep safaris and tea cups, there’s so much to do – you can even learn more about how sweets and glassware are made.
If you love exploring botanical gardens and learning all about different plants and ecosystems, then Ventnor Botanic Garden will be the perfect place for you to go. There are so many areas of these gardens including a tropical house which houses a pool that contains 22 tonnes of heated water. As well as the gardens you will also find the Edulis Restaurant where you can enjoy a bite to eat for lunch, or The Plantation Room Café which is open from 10am until 4pm with plenty to offer. PUYA Boutique is also open daily and you can purchase a gift for someone or items for yourself before you leave.
This award-winning farm park has everything you’d need to keep the whole family entertained for the day. There are jumping pillows, go karts, sledge slides and plenty of play park areas including one inside a straw barn. Along with the activities there is also an Animal Barn where you will find wallabies, meerkats, goats, highland cows, sheep, alpacas, pigs, donkeys and a pets corner with smaller animals. You can also get a bite to eat at The Cow, which is a family and dog-friendly bar and restaurant.
Tapnell Farm House, Isle of Wight Aqua Park, Yarmouth, PO41 0YJ
If you are looking for some outdoor fun to enjoy in the spring and summer months then the Isle of Wight Aqua Park will be perfect. It’s located around the corner from Tapnell Farm Park and is an attraction that is completely on water. With over 20 different obstacles to complete you will be able to enjoy a range of slides and climbing frames along the course. And like Tapnell Farm Park you will be able to use The Cow bar and restaurant if you are wanting to grab some food at the end of the day.
You will find Carisbrooke Castle sitting high up at the heart of the Isle of Wight. During its time it has been an artillery fortress, a king’s prison and a royal summer residence. It’s the perfect place to go in the spring summer months if you want to enjoy the fresh air and take in the breathtaking panoramic views. As well as the castle, you can also enjoy the Princess Beatrice Garden, the Castle Tearoom, meeting the donkeys and more.
Known for being one of the best stretches of golden sands, it’s a great place to head if you want to enjoy a traditional English seafront promenade. Shanklin Beach is the perfect place to go if you want a proper beach day, as Shanklin Esplanade has a large amusement arcade which has things like crazy golf, go karting and bowling! You will also find plenty of cafes and beach shops where you can buy supplies for your beach day fun.
The Isle of Wight’s most iconic species is the native Red Squirrel and that’s who this trail has been named after. The trail itself is 32 miles long and goes along mostly traffic-free areas in the beautiful countryside. If you wanted to cycle the 32 mile route it would be a great 2 or 3 day tour but a lot of people also walk a smaller section of the route and make it a day or half day experience.
For a day out that the kids will love you will want to go to Blackgang Chine Land of Imagination, it’s an amusement park that has everything you can think of. From dinosaurs, fairies and cowboys to an underwater kingdom: each area has different rides and attractions that will suit children of all ages and there are plenty of places you can stop at for food and drink to keep you going all day.
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